Grover
Evans

Swimming

Grover Evans is known throughout the southeastern United States in both the sports world and the political arena. In September 2008, the Arkansas native participated in the Paralympic Games as the oldest member of the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Team.

Evans currently serves as the Director of Leadership for Minorities with Disabilities with the Department of Workforce Education/Rehabilitation Services for the state of Arkansas. He holds a doctorate degree in Nutrition Counseling from LaSalle University, where he graduated cum laude.

But Evans met a bump in the road many years ago while he was working for the Jonesboro Sun newspaper. His vehicle went off the road and flipped over several times. Evans was pronounced dead twice at a local hospital, but ended up surviving as a quadriplegic.

Originally from Jonesboro, Ark., Evans became the first African-American to be elected to the Jonesboro City Council in 1984. He served six terms and served as Vice-Mayor from December 1984 to July 1996. In 1990, Evans helped Congress pass the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and in 1993 he helped pass the Brady Bill.

On Oct. 1, 1996, Evans was appointed by Governor Mike Huckabee as Director of Disability Determination for the Social Security Administration for the state of Arkansas. He has been recognized by President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, the United States Congress, Governor Mike Huckabee and several former Arkansas Governors for the work he has done.

Evans also is a member of Central Arkansas United Way Board and Little Rock's Housing Advisory Board. When not training, he speaks to groups around the U.S. on various topics such as nutrition, health education, self-esteem, goal setting, diversity and drug abuse.

Evans is married to his wife Helen and has two children and a granddaughter.